Sarah Hyland, known to many as Haley from the hit show Modern Family, recently opened up about a deeply personal struggle she endured for years.
During the Power of Women Honors event by Variety in Los Angeles on October 24, the 33-year-old actress received the first Courage Award, recognizing her advocacy for domestic abuse survivors and work in animal welfare. Accepting the award was not easy for Hyland, as she became emotional during her speech and thanked her “TV mom” Julie Bowen for her unwavering support.
Bowen, who played Hyland’s mother on Modern Family, introduced Hyland at the ceremony, sharing stories about her journey and resilience, including how she helped Hyland during one of the hardest times in her life. This heartfelt introduction and Hyland’s own story revealed the deep bond they share, both on-screen and off-screen.
A Moving Tribute to Her TV Mom
Hyland began her speech with gratitude and emotion, struggling to hold back tears as she looked at Bowen. “I love you,” she told Bowen, thanking her for being there during her most challenging days.
As she continued, Hyland highlighted the importance of speaking up during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Although talking about domestic abuse is difficult, Hyland emphasized why it’s so crucial.
“Accepting this award for courage has made me think about what that word means to me,” Hyland said. “It takes courage to wake up every morning and face the world, knowing that people may have no idea what you are going through.”
She opened up about her own experiences, mentioning how isolating and misunderstood one can feel in an abusive situation.
One touching moment in her speech was when Hyland spoke about her dog, Barkley. During her darkest times, Barkley was her closest companion, the one who offered her comfort and helped her feel safe.
“There was a time when the only being I could trust with my true feelings, and felt safest with, was my dog Barkley,” she said tearfully, adding that she probably wouldn’t have made it through without him by her side.
Bowen’s Unexpected Role in Hyland’s Story
In a powerful introduction, Bowen shared that she hadn’t always realized the personal struggles Hyland was going through. On set, Bowen was aware of Hyland’s health issues, but learning about her abusive relationship came as a shock.
Bowen described Hyland as a “tiny dynamo, my little showbiz pro, my force of nature superstar.” She explained that she was “stunned” to discover her TV daughter had been suffering in silence.
While introducing Hyland, Bowen chose not to go into specific details about the abuse, as she wanted to avoid giving attention to the abuser. But she did mention that she was asked to help Hyland leave the relationship, saying that it took real courage for Hyland to ask for support.
Bowen knew this decision would place Hyland at risk of further emotional and physical harm, but it showed the true strength Hyland had within her.
Bowen’s remarks reminded the audience that abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of how they appear on the outside or how much success they have.
“Being a beautiful and successful actress brings a spotlight with it,” Bowen said, “and a spotlight can highlight a glorious, fearless performance. It’s also a spotlight that can open one up to the scrutiny and criticism of anyone with a keyboard.”
Hyland’s Past and Her Desire to Support Others
In 2014, Hyland publicly addressed her struggles when she filed a restraining order against her former partner, Matt Prokop. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE at the time, Prokop had threatened her and shown violent behavior throughout their five-year relationship.
Hyland alleged that he had verbally and physically abused her, and once even attempted to choke her. With Bowen’s help, Hyland was finally able to leave that relationship, but Prokop reportedly continued to threaten her, saying he would harm her dog and burn down her house.
In her speech, Hyland talked about how hard it is for survivors to fully heal from such experiences. She admitted to struggling with what she calls a “dissociation pattern” that comes from surviving domestic violence.
“It stays in that abused place of your soul, where you think it’s your fault the whole time,” she shared, referring to the guilt many survivors feel.
Why Hyland Is Speaking Out Now
Although she has rarely spoken about her experience with domestic violence, Hyland has recently become more open about her story. She believes that discussing abuse publicly is necessary to help others who may be in similar situations feel less isolated.
“For thousands of years now, we didn’t talk about it,” she said, reflecting on how much of the community has kept silent on these issues. Hyland believes that if more people open up about their experiences, those suffering in silence will feel empowered to reach out for help and build support networks to break free from their abusers.
Hyland hopes her courage in sharing her story will inspire others to speak up. In abusive relationships, abusers often try to isolate their victims, keeping them away from friends and family.
Hyland emphasized that when people hear stories from others who have survived, it can make it easier for those who are currently suffering to confide in loved ones and find a way out.
Moving Forward with Support from Animal Welfare Organizations
Hyland also used her speech to highlight organizations that help victims of abuse and the unique role that animals can play in recovery. She praised RedRover and Purina’s Purple Leash Project, a program dedicated to providing resources for pet owners affected by domestic violence.
Pets often serve as a crucial source of comfort for survivors, just as Barkley did for Hyland. However, some victims hesitate to leave their abusive homes because they can’t find safe places that also accept animals.
Through the Purple Leash Project, these organizations work to create safe, pet-friendly shelters, offering families in need a chance to leave abusive environments without worrying about their beloved pets.
Continuing to Advocate for Change
With her Courage Award, Hyland is now even more determined to raise awareness for both animal rights and domestic violence. Her story resonates with others who might be going through similar situations and feel unable to leave.
By sharing her journey, she hopes to offer comfort and encouragement to survivors, showing them that they’re not alone and that, like her, they, too, can find courage, healing, and hope.
News Source PEOPLE MAGAZINE
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